Pin extracting device

ABSTRACT

A device for extracting a headed pin from frictional engagement with a rod, wherein the rod is formed as part of an article holding rack. The device includes a holder member on which the rod is received and an extractor member that engages the head of the pin and that is movable in a linear direction by a power operated mechanism to extract the pin from the rod in a straight line direction.

[Jnited States Patent 91 Crafford et al.

[ Feb. 12, 1974 PIN EXTRACTING DEVICE [75] Inventors: Thomas J. Crafford, East Providence, R.l.; John W. Crafford, Rehoboth, Mass.

[73] Assignee: Crafford Tool & Die Co., Riverside,

[22] Filed: Sept. 25, 1972 [2]] Appl. No.: 292,122

[52] US. Cl 29/200 D [51] lint. Cl B23p 19/00 [58] Field of Search... 29/200 D, 200 R, 200 B, 427

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,595,641 5/1952 Clearwater 29/200 D Primary ExaminerThomas H. Eager Attorney, Agent, or FirmSalter & Michaelson [5 7 ABSTRACT A device for extracting a headed pin from frictional engagement with a rod, wherein the rod is formed as part of an article holding rack. The device includes a holder member on which the rod is received and an extractor member that engages the head of the pin and that is movable in a linear direction by a power operated mechanism to extract the pin from the rod in a straight line direction.

8 Claims, 7 Drawing Figures Patented Feb. 12, 1974 v SJQLMM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 60 )tl F G. 7

PIN EXTRACTING DEVICE BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The present invention has application for removing article holding pins that are frictionally secured in rods formed as part of a rack used for immersing articles in a plating bath.

In the plating of costume jewelry and other similar articles, plating racks are used for holding the articles to be plated, the racks together with the articles of jewelry mounted thereon being immersed in a plating bath. Plating racks are normally formed of a metallic material and have a plastic coating deposited thereover for protection of the metal when the rack is immersed in the plating bath. Most plating racks for jewelry articles include a plurality of cross rods into which headed pins are frictionally mounted, a pair of wires being joined to the head of the pins and extending outwardly therefrom. The articles of jewelry are normally mounted on or suspended from the wires. After a period of use of the plating racks, a build up of plating metal occurs on the pins fixed therein. When the accumulation of metal on the pins becomes excessive, the pins have to be forcibly removed from the racks; and thereafter, the metal on the pins is reclaimed. The pins which are usually formed of stainless steel are also reused and may be reinserted into the rods of the plating rack.

Heretofore, problems have existed in removing the pins from the rack, since they have normally been removed manually by using hand pliers or a similar tool. Removing the pins manually by a hand tool is not only time consuming, but the pins are frequently bent and thus are incapable of further use; and further, the holes in which the pins are mounted in frictional relation are damaged or enlarged, making it difficult to frictionally retain a pin therein thereafter. Moreover, when the pins are removed by hand, the protective plastic coating around the rods is sometimes ruptured, thus breaking the protective seal that is necessary to protect the metal rack during the plating operation. Hence, an undesirable build up of metal will occur at the points of rupture during the plating operation; and the rack is thereafter incapable of being used further and must be discarded.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a pin extracting device wherein a headed pin is removed from a rod to which the pin is frictionally secured in a straight line direction. The device as employed in the subject invention is primarily for use in removing pins that are secured to rods in an article holding plating rack, and the device comprises a holder member that is mounted on a housing and that includes a foot portion for receiving a rod of the rack thereon during a pin extracting operation. An extractor member is mounted on the housing and includes a foot member that is normally spaced from the foot portion, the foot member being movable in a linear direction upon actuation of an actuating means that is interconnected to the extractor member. The foot member of the extractor member and the foot portion of the holder member are provided with slots therein for accommodating the pin while the rod is received on the foot portion of the holder member, wherein the head of the pin is located exteriorly of the foot member. The head of the pin defines an abutment against which the movable foot member bears in the extracting operation of the pin from the rod, and the actuating means includes an air operated cylinder in which a piston is movable, a linkage assembly being interconnected to the piston and to the extractor member and being operative upon movement of the piston to move the foot member in a linear direction away from the foot portion so as to force the pin outwardly of the rod in a straight line direction.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a pin extracting device that includes an extractor member that is movable in a linear direction for extracting the pin from a member in which it is retained in a straight line direction.

Another object of the invention is to provide a device for removing a headed pin from a rod to which the pin is frictionally secured and that includes a holder member on which the rod is received and an extractor member for engaging the head of the pin and being movable in a linear direction with respect to the holder for extracting the pin from the rod in a straight line direction.

Other objects, features and advantages of the invention shall become apparent as the description thereof proceeds when considered in connection with the accompanying illustrative drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the drawings which illustrate the best mode pres ently contemplated for carrying out the present invention:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a plating rack having article holding pins mounted thereon;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of a rod of the plating rack as illustrated in FIG. 1 and showing a pin frictionally secured therein;

FIG. 3 is a side elevational view of the pin extracting device as embodied in the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a vertical sectional view of the pin extracting device;

FIG. 5 is a front elevational view thereof;

FIG. 6 is a section taken along line 66 in FIG. 4; and

FIG. 7 is a partial top plan view showing the position of the rod and pin to which it is secured as located on the holder member of the pin extracting device and prior to removal of the pin from the rod.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring now to the drawings and particularly to FIGS. 1 and 2, a conventional plating rack is illustrated and is generally indicated at 10. The plating rack 10 is of that kind that is used in the plating of small costume jewelry articles, and comprises a U-shaped metal frame defined by side members 12 and I4 and a bight portion 15. Joined to upper ends of the legs 12 and 14 are hook portions 16 and 18 that provide for the suspending of the rack 10 on a vertically movable member for immersing the rack in a plating bath. An upper cross bar 20 is joined to the legs 12 and 14 at the upper end thereof, while intermediate cross rods 22 are joined to the legs in spaced vertical relation. A major portion of the legs 12 and 14 and the cross rods 22 have a plastic material coated thereon that is impervious and resistant to the plating bath in which the rack is immersed. Penetrating the plastic material 24 and frictionally secured in tapered openings in the rods 22 are a plurality of pins 26, the innermost end of each pin 26 being approximately tapered as indicated at 28, and the outermost end thereof having a head 30 formed thereon. Outwardly projecting wires 32 are joined to the head 30 of each pin 26 and are spaced apart to accomodate an article of jewelry thereon or to have the jewelry article suspended therefrom. Each pin 26 is secured in frictional relation in a tapered opening in a rod 22, the rods and the interior portions of the pins 26 being sealed by the plastic coating 24 that envelopes the rods 22. The pins 26 are preferably formed of a stainless steel material that resist the build up of the plating material under normal plating conditions. As described, the rack and the pins 26 as secured in the rods 22 of the rack are all of conventional construction and form no part of the present invention.

It is desirable to extract the pins 26 from the tapered openings in the rods 22 of the rack 10 from time to time after a build up of plating material occurs on the pins and the wires 32 secured thereto. In order to prevent the plastic material 24 from rupturing and to avoid the widening of the tapered opening in which the tapered end 28 of a pin 26 extends, the pin extracting device of the present invention is provided. As illustrated in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, the pin extracting device is generally indicated at 34 and includes a housing generally indicated at 36 in which the operating structure of the device is located. The housing 36 includes a top wall 38, a bottom wall 40, side walls 42 and 44, a rear wall defined by an inclined portion 46 and a vertical portion 48, and a front wall 50, the thickness of which is substantially greater than that of the other walls. Brackets 52 are secured to the side walls 42 and 44 and are utilized to mount the pin extracting device 34 in an upright position on a frame, bench or other base member.

In order to extract a pin 26 from a rod 22, the rod 22 must be maintained in a position whereby the pin 26 can be removed therefrom in a linear or straight line direction. As illustrated in FIG. 4, a rod holding member generally indicated at 54 is provided and comprises an elongated body portion 56 on the lowermost end of which a foot portion 58 is joined at right angles thereto, a slot 60 being formed in the foot portion 58 for receiving the pin 26 therein as will be described. Since the pins 26 may vary in the effective dimension thereof because of build up of plating material thereon, it is necessary to adjust the position of the foot portion 58 with respect to an extracting member, to be described; and for this purpose, an adjustment assembly is provided for locating the foot portion 58 in the required adjusted position. As illustrated in FIG. 5, the body portion 56 of the holder member 54 is located within a recess 62 formed in the front wall 50. As will be described, the article holder 54 is movable within the recess 62 in a a longitudinal sliding movement to locate the foot portion 58 in the desired adjusted position. Also formed in the front wall 50 and communicating with the recess 62 is a slot 64 (FIG. 4), the slot 64 further having communication with the interior of the housing 36. Captured within the slot 64 and movable within the limits thereof is a guide 66, the guide 66 being secured to the body portion 56 of the holder 54 by screws 68. Formed as a part of the guide 66 is an interior block 70 that is movable therewith and that is formed with a vertically extending threaded opening 72 therein. Threadably engaging the opening 72 is an elongated adjustment rod 74 that extends through an opening in the top wall 38 outwardly of the housing 36 for securement to an exterior adjustment handle 76. The upper portion of the adjustment rod 74 extends through an opening formed in an upper block 78 that is secured to the front wall 50 by screws 80. A set screw 82 extends through the front wall 50 and into the block 78 for engagement with the adjustment rod 74 for retaining the adjustment rod 74 in an adjusted position thereof. Nuts 82 and 84 located on the adjustment rod 74 below the upper block 78 further restrict upward movement of the adjustment rod.

It is seen that the foot portion 58 of the holder 54 can be adjusted by loosening the set screw 82 and rotating the handle 76. Rotation of the handle 76 rotates the rod 74; and since the rod 74 is prevented from vertical movement, the lower block together with the guide 66 joined thereto will be moved in a vertical direction. Vertical movement of the guide 66 carries the holder 54 therewith, whereby the foot portion 58 of the holder 54 is moved to the desired position of adjustment.

In order to extract a pin 26 from a rod 22, an extractor member generally indicated at 86 is provided and is mounted for linear movement in response to the operation of an air operated device and linkage assembly as will be described. The extractor member includes a body portion 88 to which a foot member 90 is joined at the lower end thereof.

Formed in the body portion 88 on both sides thereof are recesses in which plates 92 are received, the plates being located in the recesses such as to define grooves 94 therein. Guide plates 95 (FIG. 6) are secured to the inside of the front wall 50 and are received in the grooves 94 and thereby act to guide the body portion 88 in the vertical movement thereof. Formed in the foot member 90 is a slot 96 for receiving the shank of a pin 26 therein, the head 30 of the pin 26 being locatable exteriorly of the head member 30 which acts as an abutment for engagement by the foot member 94 during the pin extracting operation.

As more clearly illustrated in FIG. 4, the body portion 88 is moved in the linear direction by a linkage assembly that is operatively connected to an air cylinder 96. The air cylinder 96 is mounted on a bracket 98 within the housing 36 and has air fittings to which hoses 100 and 102 are connected, the air hoses 100 and 102 extending outwardly of the housing for communication with a convenient source of compressed air. Connected to the piston within the cylinder 96 is a piston rod 104 to the outer end of which a block 106 is secured. Pivotally connected to the block 106 through a pivot pin 108 is a pivot link 110. The pivot link 110 is pivotally mounted on a bracket 112 by a pin 114, the bracket 112 being fixed to the side walls 42, 44 of the housing 36. Pivotally connected to the pivot link 110 by a pin 116 is a floating link 118, the other end of the floating link 118 being connected to a power link 120 through a pivot connection 122. The power link 120 is mounted for fulcrumed movement on a bracket 124 that is secured to the side walls 42 and 44 of the housing by a pin 126, the outermost end of the power link 120 being received within a slot 121 formed in the body portion 88 of the extractor member 86. Rollers 128 mounted in the body portion 88 on bolts 129 (FIG. 6) communicate with the slot 121 therein and bear against the end of the power link 120 that extends into the slot 121, and cooperate therewith for directing the body portion 88 in the linear movement thereof.

In operation of the device, and when a pin 26 is to be extracted from a rod 22 of the rack 10, the rod is placed on the upper surface of the foot portion 58 of the holder 54. The pin 26 to be extracted extends through the slot 60 of the foot portion 58 and the slot 96 formed in the foot member 90 of the extractor member 86, the head 30 of the pin 26 being located exteriorly of the foot member 90 and bearing against the outer surface thereof. It is seen that the dimension of the pin 26 will determine the spacing of the foot portion 58 and the foot member 90; and should any adjustment for the dimension of the pin 26 be required, the foot portion 58 is linearly adjusted by rotating the handle 76. With the rod 22 and pin 26 located in the appropriate position as illustrated in FIG. 4, the cylinder 96 is actuated by directing air under pressure through hose 100 which forces the piston rod 104 downwardly. As the piston rod 104 moves downwardly, the linkage assembly interconnected thereto operates to move the body portion 88 of the extractor member 86 downwardly thereby forcing the foot member 90 in a linear direction and extracting the pin 26 from the rod 22.

It is seen that the linear outward movement of the foot member 90 of the extractor member 86 extracts the pin 26 in a straight line direction and prevents the rupturing of the plastic material 24 around the rod 22. The operation is simple and is performed in a matter of seconds and thereby avoids the clumsy and awkward extraction of the pins as previously accomplished. After the metal material on the pins 26 and wires 32 has been reclaimed, the pins 26 can then be returned to the friction fitting position within the tapered openings in the rods 22; and the rack is then reused in the plating operation as described.

While there is shown and described herein certain specific structure embodying the invention, it will be manifest to those skilled in the art that various modifications and rearrangements of the parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the underlying inventive concept and that the same is not limited to the particular forms herein shown and described except insofar as indicated by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A device for removing a headed pin from a rod to which the pin is frictionally secured, wherein the rod is formed as part of an article holding rack, comprising a housing, a holder member mounted on said housing and including a foot portion for receiving a rod thereon during a pin extracting operation, an extractor member mounted on said housing and including a foot member that is normally spaced from said foot portion, means interconnected to said holder member and mounted on said housing for adjusting the position of said holder member with respect to said extractor member so as to accommodate pins of various dimensions between said foot portion and foot member, said foot portion and foot member each being formed with a slot to accommodate the pin when the rod is received on said foot portion of said holder member, wherein the head of said pin is located exteriorly of said foot member, the head of said pin defining an abutment against which the movable foot member bears in the extracting operation of said pin from said rod, and actuating means interconnected to said movable extractor member and being operative to move said foot member in a linear direction away from said foot portion so as to force the pin outwardly of said rod in a straight line direction.

2. A device as set forth in claim 1, said actuating means including a fluid operated cylinder and a linkage assembly interconnected to the piston that is movable in said cylinder, said movable extractor member being connected to said linkage assembly and being movable linearly in response to actuation of said piston in said fluid operated cylinder.

3. A device as set forth in claim 2, said linkage assembly including a pivot link interconnected to said piston, a floating link pivotally connected to an end of said pivot link and a power link pivotally connected to said floating link at one end and being pivotally mounted on said housing intermediate the ends thereof, the other end of said power link being secured to said movable extractor member and being responsive to operation of said cylinder to produce the linear movement of said foot member.

4. A device as set forth in claim 3, said adjusting means including a block that is secured to said holder member and that is mounted on said housing for sliding movement with respect thereto, an elongated adjustment rod threadably engaging said block, and an adjustment handle secured to said adjustment rod and being rotatable for rotating said adjustment rod for moving said block and holder member foot portion to the required fixed position relative to said movable extractor foot member.

5. A device as set forth in claim 4, said housing including a front wall having an elongated recess formed therein, said holder member being received in said recess for sliding movement therein, a through slot formed in said recess and communicating with the interior of said housing, said block having a guide element joined thereto that extends into said slot for sliding movement therein, said holder member being secured to said guide element ancl movable therewith upon rotation of said rod for location of the foot portion in the desired position of adjustment relative to the extractor foot member.

6. A device as set forth in claim 1, said adjusting means including a block that is secured to holder member and that is mounted on said housing for sliding movement with respect thereto, an elongated adjustment rod threadably engaging said block and being rotatable for moving said block and holder member foot portion to a required position relative to the extractor foot member.

7. A device as set forth in claim 6, an adjustment handle secured to said adjustment rod and located exteriorly of said housing for easy access thereto, and a set screw extending through a wall of said housing for engaging said adjustment rod for securing said adjustment rod and holder member in an adjusted position thereof.

8. A device as set forth in claim 6, said housing including a front wall having an elongated recess therein, said holder member being received in said recess for sliding movement therein, a slot formed in said recess and communicating with the interior of said housing, a guide element joined to said block and being received in said slot for sliding movement, said holder member being secured to said guide element and being movable therewith upon rotation of said handle for locating the foot portion in the desired position of adjustment relative to the extractor foot member. 

1. A device for removing a headed pin from a rod to which the pin is frictionally secured, wherein the rod is formed as part of an article holding rack, comprising a housing, a holder member mounted on said housing and including a foot portion for receiving a rod thereon during a pin extracting operation, an extractor member mounted on said housing and including a foot member that is normally spaced from said foot portion, means interconnected to said holder member and mounted on said housing for adjusting the position of said holder member with respect to said extractor member so as to accommodate pins of various dimensions between said foot portion and foot member, said foot portion and foot member each being formed with a slot to accommodate the pin when the rod is received on said foot portion of said holder member, wherein the head of said pin is located exteriorly of said foot member, the head of said pin defining an abutment against which the movable foot member bears in the extracting operation of said pin from said rod, and actuating means interconnected to said movable extractor member and being operative to move said foot member in a linear direction away from said foot portion so as to force the pin outwardly of said rod in a straight line direction.
 2. A device as set forth in claim 1, said actuating means including a fluid operated cylinder and a linkage assembly interconnected to the piston that is movable in said cylinder, said movable extractor member being connected to said linkage assembly and being movable linearly in response to actuation of said piston in said fluid operated cylinder.
 3. A device as set forth in claim 2, said linkage assembly including a pivot link interconnected to said piston, a floating link pivotally connected to an end of said pivot link and a power link pivotally connected to said floating link at one end and being pivotally mounted on said housing intermediate the ends thereof, the other end of said power link being secured to said movable extractor member and being responsive to operation of said cylinder to produce the linear movement of said foot member.
 4. A device as set forth in claim 3, said adjusting means including a block that is secured to said holder member and that is mounted on said housing for sliding movement with respect thereto, an elongated adjustment rod threadably engaging said block, and an adjustment handle secured to said adjustment rod and being rotatable for rotating said adjustment rod for moving said block and holder member foot portion to the required fixed position relative to said movable extractor foot member.
 5. A device as set forth in claim 4, said housing including a front wall having an elongated recess formed therein, said holder member being received in said recess for sliding movement therein, a through slot formed in said recess and communicating with the interior of said housing, said block having a guide element joined thereto that extends into said slot for sliding movement therein, said holder member being secured to said guide element and movable therewith upon rotation of said rod for location of the foot portion in the desired position of adjustment relative to the extractor foot member.
 6. A deviCe as set forth in claim 1, said adjusting means including a block that is secured to holder member and that is mounted on said housing for sliding movement with respect thereto, an elongated adjustment rod threadably engaging said block and being rotatable for moving said block and holder member foot portion to a required position relative to the extractor foot member.
 7. A device as set forth in claim 6, an adjustment handle secured to said adjustment rod and located exteriorly of said housing for easy access thereto, and a set screw extending through a wall of said housing for engaging said adjustment rod for securing said adjustment rod and holder member in an adjusted position thereof.
 8. A device as set forth in claim 6, said housing including a front wall having an elongated recess therein, said holder member being received in said recess for sliding movement therein, a slot formed in said recess and communicating with the interior of said housing, a guide element joined to said block and being received in said slot for sliding movement, said holder member being secured to said guide element and being movable therewith upon rotation of said handle for locating the foot portion in the desired position of adjustment relative to the extractor foot member. 